How can they do it?
Written: Sep 12 '99
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Pros: Low price, ease of use, Internet Service throws it over the top!!
Cons: Not upgradeable, non Windows environment limits use
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| stevelarrison's Full Review: Microworkz iToaster |
The Free PC craze is incredible. Deals on low end machines today range from trues wolves in sheeps clothing through to deals that make you wonder how the company offering the deal can stay in business. Depending on your needs, the Itoaster is an incredibly good deal.
In order to answer that question, we will examine the IToaster from several different angles. To understand the value aspects of a purchase of the IToaster, we will examine what it would cost ( at the time of this review ) to construct a machine of similar spec either by yourself, or through a local computer store. After looking at the Itoaster
from the cost side, we will examine the current state of technology and where the Itoaster fits in. We will also take an honest look at the type of user who would be satisfied by this machine, as well as the type of user who would be frustrated by their purchase.
One of the difficulties in comparing one pre built computer to another involves spec. It is difficult to find two identically configured machines. Instead of comparing machine to machine, it is often easier to look at a machine as the sum cost of all of the components
in that machine. From that standpoint, a "bare bones" computer is comprised of a case, a motherboard, a processor, a video card, a hard drive, RAM, a floppy drive, a keyboard and mouse, a modem, and OS software (i.e. Windows or Linux ) Although
there is room for some variation in spec based on manufacturer, an examination of the IToaster shows the following (prices current 9/12/99):
Processor Pentium 200 MMX $32
Generic Baby AT Case 15
Matsonic Socket 7 Motherboard 49
Quantum 3.2 GB Harddrive 65
32 MB Generic EDO RAM ( 2 x 16MB ) 36
PC Tel 56K Win Modem 11
Generic PCI Video Card 20
Keyboard 10
Mouse 10
Total: 248
A few things must be noted about this price comparison. First of all, the playing field may not be exactly level. I can not tell your for example, the brand of motherboard that the Itoaster uses. Components were selected based on the desire to put together a fully
functional (except for monitor) Pentium 200 with 32 MB of RAM and 3.2 GB of Hard drive space as cheaply as possible. (Note: This configuration, as well as the Itoaster does not include a CD ROM, or Sound Card)
Although there is room for variation in specific components, the very nature of budget PC's leads to low cost components being used.
Therefore, although there may be differences in exact spec of machines, I feel that the above spec if valid for comparison purposes.
That having been said, what does this comparison tell us? Actually, it tells us that, at the component level, the IToaster is actually an incredibly good deal. The prices used were gathered from www.pricewatch.com on 9/12/99. Although the component prices are
accurate, the components listed come from a variety of different vendors and shipping costs would certainly add to the total, thus increasing the price differential. In addition, the above list gives you nothing but a pile of parts. Unless you are skilled in PC assembly, and
can handle bringing up Linux on a new machine, you will need to get someone to assemble the components for you. Although it is easy to come by people with these skills, you still have to pay someone to do it. ( In the Phoenix area, such services average about $55 per machine. )
In addition to a selling price that is lower than you would be able to put together by yourself, MicroWorkz also offers ISP Service. In fact, their ISP Service offers some variability to the purchase price of the Itoaster. It is free if you sign up for $19.95 month Internet Service for 2 years through them, or it is $199 and for a limited time includes lifetime free internet access (150 hours per month). Of the 2 deals, the
outright purchase option is by far the more attractive. If you only use the service for 10 months, you have effectively gotten the Itoaster for free.
In addition to ISP service, there are other benefits to Itoaster ownership. Part of the way that MicroWorkz has kept the price on this machine so low is by avoiding using Microsoft Windows for an operating system. The operating system on the Itoaster is a Microworkz customized creation that combines Linux and BeOS. Don't let the technical
details scare you, they have come up with a user friendly interface that beginners should feel comfortable with. In addition, use of Linux means that a P200 actually gives acceptable performance. ( You would be amazed at the amount of resources that Windows uses in comparison to Linux. )
So, it is a fair deal for the price of the components and the ISP Service and ease of use make it even more attractive, but is it a good deal? That depends on who you are.
If you want a computer to surf the net, write email, and use word processors/spreadsheets, ..., you will probably be happy with this machine. ( Although I would recommend upgrading the RAM from 32MB to 64MB which should run you about $36 ). The reason is simple. If these
are your only uses of a computer, when running Linux, this computer is powerful enough that your applications will be waiting on you for response, not the other way around. One thing to be aware of is that Linux is not Windows. Do not expect to be able to run Microsoft
Office on this machine. For word processing, your best bet will probably be Star Office (Available for free download from Sun, and has a fair degree of file compatibility with Microsoft Office) The ease of use of this machine should be appealing to novice users.
If you are looking for a second machine so you can surf the web while the kids play games on your fire-breathing Pentium III Monster machine, this makes an ideal machine.
If you don't have another computer at home, and you need something that is compatible with your Windows machine at work, this is not a good choice. If you are into 3D Games, Graphics, Programming, Data Analysis, or other resource intensive tasks, this is not a good choice for your needs.
If you are currently a user of Web TV, this machine offers a similar level of simplicity, but a better internet experience. ( Opinion based on difference in resolution of TV vs. Computer Monitors. Text is much more readable on a computer monitor. )
Overall this is a good machine for a good price IF used for the right situation.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 199
Operating System: Unix
Processor: Intel Pentium MMX
Processor speed: 201-300
RAM: 32
Hard Drive (GB): Under 4
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Epinions.com ID:
stevelarrison
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Member: Steve Larrison
Location: Scottsdale, Az. USA
Reviews written: 171
Trusted by: 198 members
About Me:
Beer, the answer to, and the cause of all life's problems.
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